The way we live and work has changed, and in turn so has the functionality of our homes – so what granny flat designs can we expect to see as a result of this?
New research suggests around one in five Australians now live in a multi-generational household. With a medley of factors such as an aging population, housing affordability and rising underemployment linked to young people, granny flat designs have provided a solution to both save money and earn money. If you’re thinking about adding one to your existing property, how do you make sure that you get it right?
Seven Tips On Selecting Granny Flat Designs
What we commonly refer to as granny flats come in all shapes and sizes, and in turn price tags. Depending on your taste, budget, materials used and if it’s built from scratch or not, a granny flat can cost anything between $10, 000 to $150, 000.
While this means that they are highly customisable depending on your own individual needs (or that of the resident), there are a few standard tips to consider in order to make sure the design makes the most of space, light and regulations.
Check With Your Council First – While the rules that surround granny flat designs and constructions vary depending on where you live, the regulations are a lot more streamlined than they once were. For Brisbane City Council, a granny flat for a member of your household does not need Council approval if it’s under 80sqm and within 20m of the main dwelling.
Grant Eligibility – Did you know that granny flat designs constructed from scratch can qualify for the Queensland Government’s First Home Owners Grant? If you’re able to meet the selection criteria, then a $25, 000 bonus can go a long way in terms of cutting some of the costs associated with building a secondary dwelling.
What’s Your End Goal – The functionality of your granny flat should be a direct reflection on how you intend to use it. Will it be used to perhaps give aging grandparents a home in their retirement, or instead a way to make housing more affordable for adult children? This will also determine the layout and allocations of space.
Consider Your Materials – While there are some very cheap modular and portable cabins on the market, unfortunately you often get what you pay. Many use expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam panels, which are highly flammable and not recommended by licensed builders.
Don’t Forget Plumbing – In order to provide flexibility for future investments, the ideal granny flat should be self contained to include a kitchen, bathroom and even laundry if possible. It’s important not to forget about your plumbing requirements, including sewerage and greywater.
Clever Storage Solutions – The simple fact of the matter is that most granny flats are small, but still offer the primary functions of a “big” house. The kitchen should utilize every nook and cranny, furniture should be practical, and “go vertical” to increase the space of a granny flat.
Keep It Simple – Although tempting, keep granny flat designs simple and do all you can to increase the illusion of space. Shallow built-in shelving can help you gain storage and maintain floor space, and aim to harness as much natural light as possible.
Where To Source Help With Granny Flat Designs
In operation for over ten years, Brisbane based Kibo Constructions believe that quality, reliable workmanship with an honest approach shouldn’t be the exception to the rule. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that the entire process is both a transparent and enjoyable experience from start to finish – after all, undertaking a home renovation project of any size shouldn’t be painful, and that includes navigating potential granny flat designs.
If you know that there’s an upcoming project coming up for you, your brand or your business, we would love the opportunity to provide a quote – you might be pleasantly surprised at the result. As we specialise in residential, commercial and hospitality fitout options in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, please get in touch to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.